countyscore
32.1
County Score
Water Quality 69.3Health 60.8Property Tax 39.3

County Report Card

About Alachua County, Florida

Alachua trails the nation on livability

Alachua County's composite score of 32.1 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. This 36% gap reflects persistent challenges across housing affordability, safety, and environmental risk that outweigh the county's stronger health infrastructure. The score suggests residents face trade-offs typical of college towns where institutional presence benefits health services but strains housing markets.

Below Florida's county average

At 32.1, Alachua ranks below Florida's average composite score of 45.1, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. This gap underscores that while Alachua has pockets of strength—particularly in water quality and health—it lags peers across cost of living and safety metrics. The county's university presence supports some advantages but hasn't translated into balanced livability across all dimensions.

Health and water are clear assets

Alachua excels in health infrastructure with a score of 60.8, well above the typical county profile, and water quality ranks at 69.3. The county's effective tax rate of 0.983% is reasonable, supporting public services that benefit residents' health outcomes. These strengths reflect strong institutional support and environmental stewardship.

Housing and safety need urgent attention

The county's cost score of 17.0 reflects steep housing challenges: median gross rent of $1,255/month and median home values of $266,800 strain household budgets. Safety scores at 18.5 and an extremely low environmental risk score of 9.7 signal vulnerability to flooding and other natural hazards, both critical livability concerns. School quality (33.0) also trails state and national norms.

Best for academics willing to compromise

Alachua suits professionals and students drawn to university employment or research who prioritize health amenities and can absorb high housing costs and safety trade-offs. Families seeking affordable, safe neighborhoods with strong schools should look elsewhere; this county rewards those anchored by institutional ties. The livability profile reflects classic college-town dynamics: intellectual resources and health services offset by affordability and crime concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax39.3Cost17Safety18.5Health60.8Schools33Income37.9Risk9.7Water69.3Weather23.5
🏛39.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤23.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱18.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Alachua County

Whether buying or refinancing in Alachua County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Alachua County with Orange County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Orange County
Florida
Median income: $77,011
32.1
Camden County
New Jersey
Median income: $86,384
32.1
Wayne County
North Carolina
Median income: $58,082
32.1
Chambers County
Texas
Median income: $108,114
32.1
Peach County
Georgia
Median income: $68,365
32
Vigo County
Indiana
Median income: $52,525
32.2
Jasper County
Missouri
Median income: $57,525
32
Andrews County
Texas
Median income: $76,902
32.2

Nearby counties

Bradford County
Florida
60.2
Union County
Florida
57.2
Gilchrist County
Florida
61.1
Marion County
Florida
35.4
Putnam County
Florida
37.5
Columbia County
Florida
44.2
Clay County
Florida
44
Levy County
Florida
47.6

Deep Dives

Alachua County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alachua County

via TaxByCounty

Alachua taxes run high nationally

Alachua's effective tax rate of 0.983% exceeds the national median of 0.73%, placing the county in roughly the 70th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $2,623, nearly matching the national median of $2,690, despite a lower median home value of $266,800 versus $281,900 nationwide.

Among Florida's pricier tax counties

Alachua ranks among the higher-tax counties in Florida, with an effective rate of 0.983% well above the state average of 0.731%. The county's median tax of $2,623 exceeds the state average of $1,885 by $738 annually.

Alachua outpaces nearby counties

Alachua's 0.983% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Bradford County at 0.567% and Bay County at 0.597%. Only Broward County, a major metropolitan area, taxes higher at 0.949%, making Alachua one of Florida's steepest tax burdens.

Your annual tax bill in Alachua

On a median-valued home of $266,800, Alachua homeowners pay roughly $2,623 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related fees included, that bill rises to approximately $2,821 per year.

Challenge your assessment today

Thousands of Alachua homeowners are overassessed, paying more than their property warrants. Filing an informal appeal with the Property Appraiser's office costs nothing and could reduce your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alachua County

via CostByCounty

Alachua rents strain budgets above average

Renters in Alachua County spend 25.2% of their income on housing, a point above the national norm. That's roughly $1,255 monthly against a median household income of $59,659—nearly $15,000 less than the typical U.S. household earns.

Housing costs rank midfield in Florida

Alachua's rent-to-income ratio of 25.2% exceeds Florida's 22.5% state average, placing it in the costlier half of the state's 67 counties. The median rent of $1,255 also edges slightly above the statewide median of $1,233.

Pricier than rural neighbors to the north

Alachua's $1,255 rent significantly outpaces Bradford County ($838) and Calhoun County ($680) in the region. But Bay County to the west is even steeper at $1,424, making Alachua a middle ground for North Central Florida renters.

Renters pay more than homeowners here

Alachua renters face a 25.2% housing burden while homeowners spend 23.0% of income on mortgage costs. The median home value of $266,800 and median monthly ownership cost of $1,144 reflect a more manageable path for those with down payment savings.

College town charm with affordability trade-offs

Alachua offers a vibrant Gainesville-anchored community but demands higher rent-to-income ratios than rural neighbors. If housing affordability is your priority, nearby Bradford or Baker counties deliver similar amenities at 17% housing cost burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alachua County

via IncomeByCounty

Alachua lags behind national earnings

Alachua County's median household income of $59,659 falls $15,096 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. The gap reflects a county economy that hasn't kept pace with national wage growth, though the presence of the University of Florida adds high-earning potential in education and research sectors.

Below average among Florida counties

At $59,659, Alachua's median household income trails Florida's state average of $65,468 by nearly $6,000. This positions the county in the lower-middle tier of Florida's 67 counties, indicating income challenges despite the presence of a major research university.

Stronger earnings in surrounding areas

Neighboring Baker County ($70,833) and Bradford County ($59,740) show mixed results—Baker significantly outearns Alachua, while Bradford performs nearly identically. Alachua's university economy creates pockets of wealth but hasn't lifted median household earnings to match nearby counties with diverse industrial bases.

Rent consumes a quarter of income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.2%, Alachua households spend roughly one-quarter of earnings on housing—above the sustainable 20-25% threshold. Though median home values ($266,800) remain moderate compared to state benchmarks, the mismatch between local wages and housing costs pressures household budgets.

Build wealth through education earnings

Alachua's university presence creates pathways to higher-earning careers in STEM, healthcare, and research—fields that can double or triple median household income. Starting early with retirement accounts and employer 401(k) matching can help households overcome the current income gap and build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alachua County

via CrimeByCounty

Alachua County Outpaces National Safety Trends

Alachua County maintains a safety score of 96.6, with a total crime rate of 2160.7 per 100,000 residents. This figure sits below the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a generally safer environment than many other U.S. communities.

Local Crime Rates Exceed Florida Averages

While competitive nationally, Alachua's crime rate of 2160.7 is more than double the Florida state average of 1027.9. Its safety score of 96.6 also falls short of the state’s high benchmark of 98.4.

Comparing Alachua to North Florida Neighbors

Alachua sees significantly higher crime activity than rural Bradford County, which reports a mere 32.4 crimes per 100,000 residents. As a major regional hub, Alachua experiences higher incident volumes than its more sparsely populated neighbors.

Violent Crime Trends and Property Risks

Property crime accounts for 1702.0 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate of 458.7 exceeds the national average of 369.8. These numbers reflect the typical challenges faced by large university-centered populations.

Prioritizing Home Security in Alachua

With property crime making up the majority of local offenses, residents should prioritize home defense strategies. Installing motion-sensor lighting and smart security cameras can effectively deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Alachua County

via HealthByCounty

Alachua outlives the nation

At 77.7 years, Alachua County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 17.6% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21%, signaling stronger overall health outcomes than most Americans experience.

Florida's healthiest county

Alachua leads Florida with a life expectancy of 77.7 years—nearly 2 years ahead of the state average of 75.8 years. The county's 17.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among the lowest in Florida, reflecting sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and prevention.

A bright spot in North Florida

Alachua's 77.7-year life expectancy significantly outpaces neighboring Bradford County (74.1 years) and Baker County (73.5 years). With 155 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Alachua has roughly 4 times the provider density of Bradford County, giving residents vastly better access to routine care.

Access meets affordability in Alachua

Only 10.2% of Alachua residents lack health insurance—3 percentage points below the state average—while the county boasts 695 mental health providers per 100,000, the highest in the region. This combination of coverage and specialist availability means residents can seek preventive and behavioral health care without the barriers facing neighbors in less-resourced counties.

Keep Alachua's advantage going

Even with 10.2% uninsured, nearly 1 in 10 Alachua residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or Florida's Health Insurance Marketplace to explore options—preventive care now prevents costly emergencies later and keeps your county's health trajectory strong.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Alachua County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Academic Hub in Alachua

Alachua County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 64 public schools serving 30,203 students across two districts. The system includes 31 elementary, 10 middle, and 16 high schools, plus seven specialized facilities. Most students attend schools within the primary Alachua district, which manages 62 of the county's locations.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed National Averages

The county boasts a 90.4% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0% and the Florida state average of 89.8%. While per-pupil expenditure of $5,871 remains below the $13,000 national benchmark, the county maintains a 51.3 composite school score. These results suggest efficient use of resources to produce high-achieving graduates.

University Influence and Charter Diversity

The Alachua district is the dominant provider with 28,916 students, while the UF Lab School serves 1,287 students in a specialized research environment. Charter schools play a major role here, making up 20.3% of the total landscape with 13 different options. This variety provides families with diverse pedagogical choices from traditional public to laboratory settings.

Urban Centers Meet Rural Classrooms

The school environment is split between 30 city-based schools and 15 rural campuses, reflecting the county's varied geography. The average school size is 530 students, ranging from small rural outposts to massive campuses like F. W. Buchholz High School, which enrolls 2,540 students. This mix ensures that families can find both intimate learning environments and large-scale academic centers.

Education-First Living in Alachua

With graduation rates hitting the 90% mark, Alachua County is a top choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Exploring homes near high-performing campuses like Gainesville High or Eastside High can secure a spot in some of the region's most established zones. Use school quality as your guide to finding the perfect neighborhood in this research-focused community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alachua County

via RiskByCounty

Alachua's composite risk sits above average

With a composite risk score of 90.33, Alachua County faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than the U.S. average of around 50. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects Florida's exposure to coastal and tropical hazards that most inland states don't encounter.

Moderate risk ranks mid-range for Florida

Alachua's score of 90.33 exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it in the upper half of the state's 67 counties. The county faces above-average exposure compared to most of its peers, though several coastal counties rank even higher.

Riskier than inland neighbors, safer than coast

Alachua's risk level (90.33) significantly exceeds neighboring Bradford County (36.86), reflecting its exposure to tropical systems. However, it ranks well below the extreme risks of nearby coastal regions like Brevard (98.41) and Broward (99.46) counties.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate the threat

Hurricane risk scores highest at 96.70, followed closely by wildfire risk at 95.17—both among Florida's most significant hazards. Tornado risk (90.33) rounds out the trio, making severe weather preparedness essential for Alachua residents year-round.

Secure comprehensive coverage for all threats

Alachua residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wind and flood damage, as hurricanes pose extreme risk (96.70). Consider supplemental wildfire coverage if your property is near forested areas, and verify your policy includes tornado-related damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alachua County

via WeatherByCounty

A Consistently Warm Subtropical Climate

Alachua County's average annual temperature of 69.0°F sits significantly higher than the national median, characterizing its humid subtropical climate. Residents experience a warm environment that stays well above the typical U.S. baseline year-round.

Cooler Than the Florida Average

While Florida is known for heat, Alachua is actually cooler than the state average of 71.1°F. It ranks in the more temperate tier of Florida counties, avoiding the sweltering year-round averages found in the southern peninsula.

Moderate Rainfall Compared to Coastal Peers

Compared to neighboring Baker County at 68.7°F, Alachua is slightly warmer on average. It also sees 50.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is drier than the statewide average of 54.8 inches.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Summers are intense with an average of 81.3°F in July and 97 extreme heat days annually. Winters remain mild with a January average of 54.4°F and no recorded snowfall.

Preparing for Nearly 100 Heat Days

Homeowners should prepare for nearly 100 days of temperatures over 90°F with high-efficiency cooling systems. The 50 inches of rain require well-maintained gutters, though the volume is less than some coastal neighbors.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alachua County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic foundations in Alachua

Alachua’s soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 4.69, which is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is common for North Central Florida but requires careful management for non-native crops.

Dominated by sand and drainage

The soil composition is 82.1% sand, 3.6% silt, and 5.0% clay. This high sand content allows for rapid drainage but often results in lower nutrient retention compared to heavier silty soils.

High organic matter for Florida

At 7.46%, the organic matter content is nearly triple the national average of 2.0%, though it sits slightly below the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.112 in/in provides a stable moisture reservoir that exceeds the state average of 0.108 in/in.

Limited local drainage data

Standard drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded in this dataset for Alachua County. Gardeners should observe their specific site's water movement to determine if they face rapid or slow drainage issues.

Thriving in Zone 9a

In Hardiness Zone 9a, these acidic soils are perfect for blueberries, camellias, and azaleas. Now is the time to start your garden and leverage that high organic matter for a productive harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alachua County

via LawnByCounty

Alachua County's Uphill Battle for Green Grass

Maintaining a lawn in Alachua is significantly tougher than the national average, scoring just 18.5 out of 100 for ease. This score falls slightly below the Florida state average of 19.2, meaning local gardeners face uphill challenges in Hardiness Zone 9a. While the climate is hospitable to many plants, homeowners must work harder here than in half the rest of the country.

Heat and Rain Define the Mowing Season

With 97 extreme heat days annually, grass in Alachua endures far more stress than the state average of 92 days. The county receives 50 inches of precipitation, which sits right at the upper limit of the ideal 30-50 inch range for most turf. High heat and consistent moisture mean you'll be mowing frequently throughout the 7,115 growing degree days.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil Foundations

Local soils are composed of 82.1% sand and have a highly acidic pH of 4.69, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. This low pH limits nutrient availability, while the high sand content causes water to drain away before roots can soak it up. Most lawns here require significant lime applications and organic matter to create a healthy growing environment.

Staying Green Through Persistent Drought Cycles

Alachua spent 33 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, with 100% of the county currently facing severe drought levels. Residents must prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture retention. Using smart irrigation controllers helps manage water use while the county remains under these abnormally dry conditions.

Best Grasses for Alachua's Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Bahia grass are the top choices for this climate because they tolerate the acidic soil and high heat. Aim to lay sod or seed after the last spring frost on March 4 to give roots time to establish before the peak summer heat. Successful lawns here start with a soil test to address that low pH before the first blade of grass goes down.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alachua County's county score?
Alachua County, Florida has a composite county score of 32.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Alachua County rank among counties in Florida?
Alachua County ranks #61 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Alachua County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Alachua County is $2,623, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Alachua County a tax score of 39.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alachua County?
The median household income in Alachua County, Florida is $59,659 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alachua County earns an income score of 37.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alachua County, Florida a good place to live?
Alachua County scores 32.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Alachua County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Alachua County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.